Job Shadowing: An Evaluation of a Training Program for Enhancing the Communication Skills of Students During Covid-19 in Sharjah, UAE

Abstract

AbstractThis study aims to explore how the job shadowing program offered by the Sharjah government media bureau was experienced by communication and media students and professionals, and how it develops students’ skills and experience. The study also explores the impacts of the program during the Covid-19 period and the expectations from the program after the pandemic. The study works to help in creating effective training programs for media students with collaboration between universities and media organizations. A group discussion was conducted with 12 trainers and an online questionnaire was distributed to a sample of program attendees to monitor their viewpoints. 100 students responded to the survey. Results revealed that the job shadowing program has an effective role in developing students’ skills by enabling them to interact with professionals and benefiting from their experience. Students considered the program as an integrated way with the academic courses to support their practical skills. Results assured the need to design programs concerned with new topics, skills, and perspectives in media production to meet the needs of the media profession and academic requirements. Results revealed that coexistence and integration between academic programs and media institutions will be effective methods to develop the program.